Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of A Flavonoid Fraction From The Leaves Of Voacanga Africana

Abstract

In this study we used several models for evaluation of probable anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the flavonoid fraction of the leaves of Voacanga Africana, using mice and rats. The extract (50 - 150mg/kg, p.o) inhibited, in a dose-related manner, carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats. The extract caused a significant inhibition of the cotton-pellet granuloma. Vascular permeability induced by acetic-acid in the peritoneum of the animals was equally inhibited. The extract also exhibited significant analgesic action in acetic acid- induced pain in mice. There was reduction of writhings induced by acetic acid. In the formalin test, the extract caused inhibition of the neurogenic (first phase) and inflammatory phase (second phase) of formalin-induced pain. The extract also produced anti-nociception in the animals, as assessed by the tail flick, hot-plate and limb-withdrawal tests. These findings suggest that the leaf extract of Voacanga Africana has potent anti-imfiammatory and anti-nociceptive action.

Key words: Voacanga africana; anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities.

Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.19(1&2) 2004: 69-76